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Retford Park Bowral | National Trust Treasure of the Highlands #uppbeat ...

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Retford Park is one of the Southern Highlands’ most celebrated heritage properties, combining grand architecture, beautifully designed gardens, and a rich history. Built in 1887 by businessman Samuel Hordern, the house is a striking example of Victorian Italianate design, set among sweeping grounds that showcase the Highlands’ elegance and charm.   In the late 20th century, Retford Park became the home of philanthropist James Fairfax AC of the Fairfax publishing family, who lovingly restored and expanded the gardens. Fairfax was deeply devoted to the estate, creating a cultural and horticultural treasure that reflected both his personal passions and his family’s legacy. In 2016, he gifted Retford Park to the National Trust of Australia (NSW), ensuring its preservation for future generations.   The gardens are a highlight for visitors, with manicured hedges, rose beds, lush lawns, and parkland dotted with sculptures and exotic plantings. Seasonal colours bring the groun...
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Discover Sydney by Ferry | Barangaroo to Circular Quay #tourismaustralia...

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The Barangaroo to Circular Quay ferry is one of Sydney’s most scenic short trips on the harbour. In less than 15 minutes, you glide past some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks — the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the bustling waterfront of Darling Harbour. For visitors, it’s not just public transport — it’s a sightseeing cruise at a fraction of the cost.   Departing from Barangaroo Wharf, the ferry hugs the harbour foreshore, offering incredible views of Sydney’s skyline. It’s the perfect way to connect two of Sydney’s most vibrant precincts: Barangaroo, with its parks, dining, and modern architecture, and Circular Quay, the gateway to the Opera House, The Rocks, and ferries to Manly, Taronga Zoo, and beyond.   Whether you’re a commuter, a day-tripper, or a tourist looking for a cheap harbour cruise, the Barangaroo to Circular Quay ferry is a must-do. Grab a seat outside for the best photos, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you experience Sydney...
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Camping at Blackheath Glen Reserve | Back to Nature #shorts #tourismaust...

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Nestled in the heart of the Megalong Valley , just a short drive from Blackheath, Blackheath Glen Reserve is a quiet bushland escape beside the Megalong Creek . Surrounded by tall gum trees and lush greenery, it’s a popular spot for picnics, camping, and riverside relaxation . The sound of the creek bubbling through the reserve creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the bustle of the Blue Mountains villages above.   The reserve has basic facilities including toilets and picnic tables, but like many valley campgrounds, there are no showers and little to no phone reception — making it a perfect place to unplug. Wildlife is part of the experience too: kangaroos, wallabies, and native birdlife are regular visitors, and the cool shade makes it a great spot to camp in summer.   Beyond the campground, the Megalong Valley offers plenty to explore. Nearby you’ll find scenic drives, the historic Megalong Cemetery , charming tea rooms , and access to some o...
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Explore Coachwood Glen | Rainforest Magic for Photographers #tourismaust...

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The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail , just outside Blackheath in the Blue Mountains, is a magical pocket of temperate rainforest that feels a world away from the dry eucalypt forests above. The short 1 km loop track winds gently through towering coachwood trees , lush tree ferns, and mossy gullies, creating a cool, green wonderland perfect for slow exploration.   For photographers, this trail is pure paradise. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating dramatic beams of light and shadow. The details are irresistible — delicate fungi on rotting logs, textured tree bark, sparkling drops of water, and the vivid greens of ferns and mosses. In every season, the forest offers new moods, from misty mornings to glowing afternoon light.   The trail is accessible for most walkers and takes less than an hour, but many linger much longer, camera in hand. With its rainforest ambience, abundant photo opportunities, and tranquil atmosphere, the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is one of t...
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Camping & Picnics at Blackheath Glen | Blue Mountains Escape #tourismaus...

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Tucked away in the tranquil Megalong Valley near Blackheath, the Blackheath Glen Reserve is a peaceful riverside spot that combines natural beauty with historic charm. Shaded by tall eucalypts and bordered by the crystal-clear waters of the Megalong Creek , it’s a favourite for picnics, camping, and simply soaking up the quiet atmosphere of the Blue Mountains.   The reserve is a popular place to camp or stop for the day, with grassy areas ideal for tents or a family picnic. Birdsong, rustling leaves, and the bubbling creek create a sense of calm, while kangaroos and other wildlife often wander nearby. The surrounding Megalong Valley is rich in history, with remnants of old shale mining and farming adding to the experience.   Blackheath Glen Reserve makes a perfect base for exploring the Megalong Valley. From here you can enjoy nearby bushwalks, scenic drives, and visits to local attractions like the historic Megalong Cemetery , tea rooms, and lookouts across the vall...
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Family Camping in the Blue Mountains – Dunphys Campground #shorts #touri...

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Dunphys Campground is a remote and picturesque spot tucked away in the Megalong Valley , within the Blue Mountains National Park, New South Wales. Surrounded by rolling green paddocks and dramatic escarpments, it’s a favourite base for bushwalkers, campers, and adventurers wanting to explore the rugged wilderness of the southern Blue Mountains. The campground is unpowered, offering grassy areas for tents and camper trailers, and has basic facilities like toilets, picnic tables, and fireplaces.   What makes Dunphys especially appealing is its location at the edge of the wilderness. From here, you can set off on some of the Blue Mountains’ most iconic hikes, including routes toward Mount Cloudmaker, Kanangra Walls, Narrow Neck Plateau , and the famous “Three Peaks” challenge. It’s also a fantastic spot for birdwatching and photography, with wedge-tailed eagles soaring above, wallabies grazing in the fields, and misty mornings that make the valley feel magical.   While ac...
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